There's a Storm Surge Alright

10:32 AMHeather

It truly is unbelievable. The storm surge wreaking havoc across our country. Nope. I don't mean Hurricane Sandy. Although it, too, has certainly been fearsome in it's impact on the east coast. Hurricanes, blizzards, fierce winds, walls of waves, and fires. They have all been devasting. And, yes, it grieves me.

But, today, I'm talking about another storm surge hitting our country that is just as dangerous. I'm talking about the waves of fear and panic and anxiety that are overwhelming us in these days of elections and natural disasters. It's getting ugly out there, folks. Because when fear hits within us to our core, it manifests all over the place. Facebook and Twitter and other social media have certainly given us a different perspective on this election. And, on Hurricane Sandy. I was intrigued that a local news station noted that the word "prayer" saw something like a 200% increase yesterday on Facebook. Hmm. In the wake of impending disaster, prayer made a come back. Unfortunately, these social media outlets have also become a breeding ground for fear mongers and an outlet for all sorts of ugliness as it relates to politics.

As I see the storm surge of fear rising, I just want to say one thing. Everyone take a deep breath. Whether your anxiety is about big national events or life wrenching personal events...take a deep breath. Stop. Right where you are. And let me remind you of something.

God is still on his throne. The God of all Creation who spoke all that is through his words alone. He is still in control. As Steven Curtis Chapman says, the future is history to him. He knows that's coming in 7 days when our election occurs. He knew Hurricane Sandy was coming. He knew that your life would be turned upside down by the circumstances hitting you upside the head. He knew. And He is still the Lord of all, the King of Kings, the Almighty God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Faith is standing on his character and what you know to be true of him even when all evidence might point to the contrary.

The God of the Universe who parted the Red Sea so that his people could walk on dry land...He will make a way for you. The Alpha and Omega knows the beginning and the end of your story. The Sovereign Lord who closed the lion's mouths in Daniel's den will protect you through your trials. The Author of our Salvation knew the days ordained for you before one of them came to be--they were written in your book. Nothing "occurs" to God. Because nothing surprises Him. He is beyond time, beyond what our minds can imagine. He will never leave nor forsake us. We are his prized possession, worth a very high price. We are his inheritance. We are engraved in the palms of his hand. He will uphold us with his righteous right hand. Whatever it is that you need, He is I am. I am your peace. I am your rest. I am your hope. I am your strength. I am your future. I am your comforter. I am your healer. I am that I am. Whatever it is that you need, remember "I Am."

Glimpse of GRACE: Oh, if you sit too long on Facebook or Twitter or in front of the news, you just might get the wind knocked out of you. You just might start feeling all kinds of anxiety and fear and hopelessness. You just might feel so out of control of all that is going on around you. Well, at least that part is truth. We are out of control. But our Father isn't. He is completely in control. He's got our backs. Those who trust in Him will NEVER be put to shame (Romans 10:11). Based on what we see, this may not seem true to you. But, we only see a portion of the big picture. The greatest artist of all time is painting a picture that will blow our minds someday, when we see how it all fits together.

So, if the storm surge of fear and anxiety and unease is flooding over you today, take heart. Our God is an Awesome God. He is good. He is loving. He is the Great I Am. He's got it all under control.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Romans 13:1

And, don't forget this promise. He doesn't say "if" you pass through the waters, but when. He knows that in this world, we will have trials. And He promises to walk right by our side through them all.

When you pass through the waters,I will be with you;and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you.When you walk through the fire,you will not be burned;the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 43:2

Might a make a suggestion, bloggy friends? Instead of feeding your mind images of devastation and gallup polls and fretful information, why don't we fall to our knees and pray? Why don't we soak in the truth of the Word and stand on it's promises. It's our life preserver when the waters rise. It's our hope during the dark days. So hang on!